26.2 C
Accra
Thursday, November 21, 2024
FeaturesWhat happens when a presidential candidate dies in Ghana?

Date:

What happens when a presidential candidate dies in Ghana?

The sudden passing of Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) presidential candidate, Akua Donkor, has sent shockwaves through Ghana’s political landscape, raising questions about the implications for the upcoming elections.

As the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) prepares for the presidential polls, many are wondering: what happens when a presidential candidate dies before an election in Ghana?

If a presidential candidate dies before the election in Ghana, the timing of the death determines the course of action.

In case of candidate death before nominations close

According to the Public Elections Regulations, if a candidate dies before the close of nominations, the returning officer must be formally informed. This notification is crucial, as without it, the deceased candidate would still be considered nominated.

Screenshot from Public Elections Regulation (Ghana)
Screenshot from Public Elections Regulation

Upon receiving formal notification and confirmation from the EC, the election process is restarted, and the commission sets new nomination and polling dates.

Screenshot from Public Elections Regulation (Ghana)
Screenshot from Public Elections Regulation (Ghana)

The new nomination day must fall within 14 to 21 days after the returning officer receives proof of death, and the new election day is scheduled no later than 14 days after the new nomination day.

In case of candidate death after nominations have closed but before elections

If two or more candidates remain nominated after the death of a candidate, the election proceeds as planned according to the Public Elections Regulation.

However, if only one candidate remains alive, they become an “Unopposed Candidate” and are declared the winner without an election.

In cases where the deceased candidate was nominated by a political party, the Electoral Commission grants the party 10 days to nominate a replacement candidate. The election is then postponed for a period not exceeding 21 days from the date the new candidate is nominated.

It’s worth noting that the Public Elections Act contains some ambiguity regarding the legal framework for a death at the presidential candidature level.

Screenshot from Public Elections Regulation (Ghana)
Screenshot from Public Elections Regulation (Ghana)

While the Act mentions postponing elections in a “constituency” for not less than 21 days, it doesn’t explicitly address presidential elections, which involve multiple constituencies. However, it can be argued that “constituency” in this context refers to all constituencies collectively.

If the deceased candidate was an independent, the Electoral Commission will not allow the nomination of a new candidate, and the election proceeds with the remaining candidates.

In case of candidate death on the eve of elections

If a candidate dies on the eve of the election and proof of death is given to the returning officer before the poll begins, the returning officer suspends the election process and informs the Electoral Commission.

The Electoral Commission then adjourns the poll, and the same procedure is followed as for a candidate who died after nominations closed.

Ghana’s electoral system has provisions to address the unfortunate event of a presidential candidate’s death before an election.

These measures ensure continuity, maintain the integrity of the democratic process, and provide clear guidelines for handling such situations.

Source: 3news.com

DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana

[forminator_poll id="710479"]

Latest stories

Uproar on social media over GFA’s ‘second-hand’ buses to football clubs

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is facing intense backlash...

Pay bills promptly to enable us provide potable water to citizenry – GWCL

The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) is urging its...

Over 80km of roads upgraded in Accra under DRIP initiative – Regional Coordinator

The Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council has reported significant...

Shatta Wale guided me in learning how to write and record my own music – Michy

Entertainment personality Diamond Michelle Gbagonah, widely recognized as Michy,...

Election 2024: Police launch Press Briefing Centre to counter misinformation

The Ghana Police Service has inaugurated a National Election...

Related stories

Youth anger and frustration will propel former President John Dramani Mahama to the presidency

As Ghana’s election approach, the Campaign of Former President John...

Vacant seats saga: All the legal terminologies explained

Recent tensions between Ghana’s Judiciary and Legislature have underscored...

Vacant seats controversy: Amanda Clinton Esq writes on Supreme Court’s ruling

A SUMMARY OF THE SUPREME COURTS  108 PAGE RULING ON THE...

How property taxes can help low-income countries to develop

The world’s governments must raise an additional US$3 trillion...

Celebrating Ghana’s Farmers: A story of neglect and disregard by its govt

Today, as Ghana pauses to celebrate Farmer’s Day, let...

Did you know you can get a passport for your pet?

Some pet passports also include details like your pet’s...

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here